Ekstrom to test for Red Bull team

Two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom will test for Red Bull Racing Team at the Virginia International Raceway road course today.

Fresh from his first DTM win of the season, which he claimed at Valencia last weekend, the Swede is set to provide support to the team ahead of the first road course event of the year, which takes place next month at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

The 31-year-old, who has been backed by Red Bull for the past nine years, will make his maiden NASCAR outing in the #83 car, which was usually driven by Brian Vickers, now sidelined for the rest of the season due to treatment he is currently undergoing to dissolve blood clots discovered on him.

"It's no secret that the NASCAR series fascinates me," said Ekstrom, who will test alongside the team's regular driver Scott Speed. "It's been a long-harboured dream of mine to drive such a car."

Casey Mears has been drafted in place of Vickers for the past few weeks, but speaking at Charlotte Motor Speedway last weekend, the team's vice president and general manager Jay Frye said it has still to be determined whether he would fill in for the remainder of the year.

Ekstrom's DTM schedule would not hamper the Swede from eventually racing for the team at Sonoma on June 20th. Due to Vickers stepping out, the team's focus has now shifted from the drivers' standing to the car owners' ranking, which is not affected by different drivers racing the #83 entry.

For now, Frye expects Ekstrom's tin-top experience to help prepare the team for next month's road course event.

"With Brian Vickers sidelined for the rest of the season, we needed a road-racing expert to help prepare the #83 for Sonoma," said Frye. "We appreciate Mattias' willingness to help out and we look forward to his insight."

Ekstrom, who has competed in the World Rally Championship also, has won the Race of Champions three times and he currently ranks second in the DTM standings.

Recently, sportscar racer Jan Magnussen also tested for Hendrick Motorsports to help the team with its road course development programme.

Raul not retiring yetEkstrom to test for Red Bull team

Hamlin hits back at Kyle Busch

Denny Hamlin has hit back at Kyle Busch following the latter's remarks regarding their incident in the All-Star race last weekend.

Speaking at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, Busch claimed to be surprised at how his Joe Gibbs Racing team-mate had raced him in the closing stages of last Saturday's event as they both fought for the lead.

Busch felt Hamlin closed the door on him, causing him to hit the wall and lose any chance of winning the race. The pair had apparently settled the issue at the track last Saturday, but their remarks indicate there is growing animosity between the two.

Hamlin went as far as saying that Busch's behaviour just shows he does not yet have what it takes to become a NASCAR Sprint Cup champion.

"Kyle brings this stuff up on himself and gets mad at the media for asking questions about his blow-ups and stuff. He does it to himself," said Hamlin in response to his team-mate's words.

"I don't want to be part of it. Any drama that he wants to create or anything is on him. Anything he says on the radio is on him. All I'm going to be say is that each year I think Kyle is going to grow out of it and he just doesn't.

"Until he puts it all together, that's when he will become a champion. And right now, he just doesn't have himself all together."

Speaking about last weekend's incident, Hamlin said he does not feel he did anything wrong against Busch and that he was simply trying to defend the lead he got in the final pitstop of the event.

Hamlin had started the All-Star race from the rear of the field, following an engine change on his car due to a failure in practice.

"[Kyle] just felt like I took his line away - 'his line'. The guy behind me? Sorry," Hamlin said. "My pit crew had just got me off pitroad with the lead, we came from last in this race and we just put ourselves strategically in that spot and we just didn't have the car good enough to hold those guys off.

"That doesn't mean two laps after that restart, I didn't think I could win. If I didn't think I could win, then maybe I should have given him the line. But I was racing as if I could win. And I just couldn't look myself in the mirror or any of my team guys in the face if I had pulled over there."

Hamlin says he will not get into any mind games Busch is trying to play with him. He believes that despite being team-mates, Busch is one of the drivers he has to beat if he wants to become champion this year.

However he does not expect Busch to change his attitude towards him.

"Moving forward, I don't expect anything different," said Hamlin. "Would anyone expect anything different? That's why Kyle has the attention that he has because he is fiery and everything like that.

"I don't expect anything different. But I just don't need to let it bother me. I don't need to let anything he says bother me or the way he acts or says on the radio - I just need to worry about us and not worry about him."

The 29-year-old reminded people that when Tony Stewart left Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of the 2008 season, he did not proclaim himself as the new team leader, but stated he did not expect Busch, a 23-year-old back then, to become so.

"When Tony left, I didn't say that I'm going to take over this team or be the leader of this team," Hamlin said. "Somebody's got to be the leader. It ain't going to be Kyle."

Hamlin will start Sunday's 600-mile race at Charlotte right behind team-mate Busch, after they qualified in seventh and ninth positions.

Hamlin denies feud with Kyle BuschMessi has no Premier plans

Kyle Busch still bitter at Hamlin

Kyle Busch insists he is over the incident with Denny Hamlin at last weekend's All-Star race, but the Joe Gibbs Racing driver's remarks still carried a hint of lingering bitterness against his team-mate.

Busch hit the wall while battling Hamlin for the lead at Charlotte last Saturday, and the resulting contact then caused a tyre failure that brought his race to an end.

Following the race he spoke to Hamlin in his hauler after having harsh words against him on his radio, as he felt Hamlin had closed the door on a passing attempt he was doing in the outside lane at Turn 2, with only a few laps remaining.

Speaking at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, Busch said he was surprised by how Hamlin raced him for the lead and lamented that none of the team's cars came out winners, as Penske's Kurt Busch took victory in the event and the million-dollar prize that went with it.

"Of course I was heated after the race," said Busch. "It surprised me that my team-mate raced me that way. I wouldn't have expected that, but he's the leader, he's got the racetrack and I now understand that.

"I think last week should've went a little bit different. I felt like JGR, either [Hamlin] or myself had a great shot to win the race and bring home the million bucks to Joe Gibbs Racing and to win another race for the team and sponsors and stuff, and unfortunately it didn't happen."

Busch also seemed to disagree with Hamlin's quotes about the incident and believes, had the roles been reversed, he would have handled the situation differently.

"I'm a little dissatisfied with the quote that I would've done the same thing, because you can't put words in a person's mouth and I don't feel like I would've done the same thing," said Busch.

"I race with respect and I learned from Mark Martin and those guys. I might have had my bad points but since learning from Mark Martin and Tony Stewart and those guys, I feel like I have got better."

Busch denied that it was his team boss Joe Gibbs who tried to intervene to solve any issues arising from the incident between, saying it was in his best interest to prevent a feud brewing inside the three-car squad.

"It wasn't that Joe Gibbs got us together and had to mediate anything, I walked myself right in to his hauler and waited for the race to be over," Busch said.

"We are a team and we need to work together and we need to keep things going forward and we are not going to let us get between the #11 [Hamlin] and the #20 [Joey Logano] and the 18 [Busch] team and divide this race shop.

"It's about keeping everybody together and pulling for the same goals and going forward and trying to win this championship for Joe Gibbs Racing.

"I'm over the Denny Hamlin issue. It's done and I'm moving forward. We've talked about it and we look forward to the rest of the year and working together."

Both Busch and Hamlin are currently shaping up as possible title contenders, Busch having won twice already this year and ranking second in the standings, while Hamlin has won three races and is fifth in the points.

Hamlin denies feud with Kyle BuschRonaldo harbours title hope

Ekstrom pleased with NASCAR test

Two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom was pleased with his first NASCAR outing with the Red Bull Racing Team on Tuesday at Virginia International Raceway.

The Swede got his first chance to sample Sprint Cup machinery driving the #83 Red Bull Toyota Camry, sharing the track with some of the series regulars as team regular Scott Speed was on hand, as well as JTG Daugherty's Marcos Ambrose and Earnhardt Ganassi's Juan Pablo Montoya.

Ekstrom was initially surprised at how the car drove but through the day he was able to familiarise himself with how its handling characteristics differed to his more nimble DTM Audi A4. While a Sprint Cup car has close to twice the power of a DTM machine, it also weighs nearly 500kg more and has less downforce.

In the end he came out satisfied with his first NASCAR experience.

"I was really surprised how the car drove," said Ekstrom. "Everyone had told me that it would be very special and it was quite nice. The first hour of the test I was fighting the car a lot just getting used to the power, the weight, and the fact that the car has little aero, all things that are very different for me.

"A few hours into the test I felt a lot more comfortable in the car and overall I think we had a really good test.

"I came into this test not having any experience in these type of cars, and also having never worked with the #83 team before, so it was nice to see how well we all worked together.

"I really enjoyed my first Sprint Cup test and am glad to have had this opportunity."

The 31-year-old was expected to contribute to the team's preparations for the first road course event of the season, which takes place at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California next month.

Red Bull has Casey Mears currently set as Brian Vickers' replacement, with the latter sidelined for the rest of the year due to blood clots.

According to Red Bull's Jay Frye, it is still to be determined whether Mears will actually drive the car in all remaining races of the season.

Ekstrom to test for Red Bull teamTaylor talk bemuses Magpies

Harvick signs new Childress deal

Kevin Harvick has signed a new multi-year deal with Richard Childress Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The current points leader will stay on with the only organisation he has ever raced with at NASCAR's top level, although the team has yet to announce a new sponsor due to Shell and Pennzoil leaving at the end of the year to go to Penske Racing.

Harvick had one of his worst seasons ever last year, finishing 19th in the standings and missing the Chase for the first time since 2006. The team's form led to speculation about Harvick moving on at the end of his current deal, which runs out at the end of this year.

However RCR has been able to bounce back and Harvick claimed his first win since 2007 at Talladega last month, while his team-mates are both currently in the top 15 in the drivers' standings.

"I think for us it's great to put everything - all the questions - to bed," said Harvick. "I've been pretty quiet about the way we've gone about everything but I've felt pretty good about the way things have gone between Richard [Childress] and myself and all that's been going on.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs but I feel like as an organisation and a team we're positioned as well as we've ever been to race for a championship."

Harvick praised his team for being able to turn things around this year, after such a disappointing 2009 for the squad, when it not only failed to have any drivers in the championship play-off, but also had to shrink back from four to three cars after losing one of its main sponsors.

"It's been an incredible turnaround," said Harvick. "The attitude and the morale of the people that I've been around for a long time, those are the things that you want to work out when you've got so much time and effort invested in years and years.

"To be able to race for a championship this year was our goal, we've been able to accomplish that and our goal is to race for championships every year. Last year we didn't do that but we feel like we've made all the right changes and hopefully we can continue going forward with the performance and things that we've done."

Richard Childress is very optimistic about the future with Harvick, who he to fill the void left by Dale Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. He is also confident of finding the right sponsors for Harvick's car now he has been re-signed for the long term.

"Both of us want the same thing and I think with the way we're structured now, we've got a lot of good things coming for the rest of the year and hopefully we'll just get better as the year goes. We want to run for that championship," said Childress.

"I think Kevin and I both have enough confidence in each other that we know we can go out and put a great package together. We've put great packages together for companies in the past and we're going to do so moving forwards.

"It's a huge plus when you can go to a company and say we've got the driver, the driver's got us. We're ready to go."

Harvick is currently in his 10th season with RCR in the Sprint Cup Series. In his time with the team, he has won 12 races including the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400, plus a victory in the All-Star race in 2007.

He has finished in the top five in the standings three times, his best season coming in 2006 when he won five times en route to fourth in the final Chase ranking.

New deal for Espanyol starletHarvick signs new Childress deal

Ekstrom to test for Red Bull team

Two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom will test for Red Bull Racing Team at the Virginia International Raceway road course today.

Fresh from his first DTM win of the season, which he claimed at Valencia last weekend, the Swede is set to provide support to the team ahead of the first road course event of the year, which takes place next month at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

The 31-year-old, who has been backed by Red Bull for the past nine years, will make his maiden NASCAR outing in the #83 car, which was usually driven by Brian Vickers, now sidelined for the rest of the season due to a treatment he currently undergoes to dissolve blood clots discovered on him.

"It's no secret that the NASCAR series fascinates me," said Ekstrom, who will test alongside the team's regular driver Scott Speed. "It's been a long-harbored dream of mine to drive such a car."

Casey Mears has been drafted in place of Vickers for the past few weeks, but speaking at Charlotte Motor Speedway last weekend, the team's vice president and general manager Jay Frye said it has still to be determined whether he would fill in for the remainder of the year.

Ekstrom's DTM schedule wouldn't hamper the Swede from eventually racing for the team at Sonoma on June 20th. Due to Vickers' stepping out, the team's focus has now shifted from the drivers' standing to the car owners ranking, which is not affected by different drivers racing the #83 entry.

For now, Frye expects Ekström's tin-top experience to help prepare the team for next month's road course event.

"With Brian Vickers sidelined for the rest of the season, we needed a road-racing expert to help prepare the #83 for Sonoma," said Frye. "We appreciate Mattias' willingness to help out and we look forward to his insight."

Ekstrom, who has competed in the World Rally Championship also, has won the International Race of Champions three times and he currently ranks second in the DTM standings.

Recently, sports car racer Jan Magnussen also tested for Hendrick Motorsports to help the team with its road course development program.

Vickers to miss rest of seasonRaul not retiring yet

Harvick signs new Childress deal

Kevin Harvick has signed a new multi-year deal with Richard Childress Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The current points leader will stay on with the only organisation he has ever raced with at NASCAR's top level, although the team has yet to announce a new sponsor due to Shell and Pennzoil leaving at the end of the year to go to Penske Racing.

Harvick had one of his worst seasons ever last year, finishing 19th in the standings and missing the Chase for the first time since 2006. The team's form led to speculation about Harvick moving on at the end of his current deal, which runs out at the end of this year.

However RCR has been able to bounce back and Harvick claimed his first win since 2007 at Talladega last month, while his team-mates are both currently in the top 15 in the drivers' standings.

"I think for us it's great to put everything - all the questions - to bed," said Harvick. "I've been pretty quiet about the way we've gone about everything but I've felt pretty good about the way things have gone between Richard [Childress] and myself and all that's been going on.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs but I feel like as an organisation and a team we're positioned as well as we've ever been to race for a championship."

Harvick praised his team for being able to turn things around this year, after such a disappointing 2009 for the squad, when it not only failed to have any drivers in the championship play-off, but also had to shrink back from four to three cars after losing one of its main sponsors.

"It's been an incredible turnaround," said Harvick. "The attitude and the morale of the people that I've been around for a long time, those are the things that you want to work out when you've got so much time and effort invested in years and years.

"To be able to race for a championship this year was our goal, we've been able to accomplish that and our goal is to race for championships every year. Last year we didn't do that but we feel like we've made all the right changes and hopefully we can continue going forward with the performance and things that we've done."

Richard Childress is very optimistic about the future with Harvick, who he to fill the void left by Dale Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. He is also confident of finding the right sponsors for Harvick's car now he has been re-signed for the long term.

"Both of us want the same thing and I think with the way we're structured now, we've got a lot of good things coming for the rest of the year and hopefully we'll just get better as the year goes. We want to run for that championship," said Childress.

"I think Kevin and I both have enough confidence in each other that we know we can go out and put a great package together. We've put great packages together for companies in the past and we're going to do so moving forwards.

"It's a huge plus when you can go to a company and say we've got the driver, the driver's got us. We're ready to go."

Harvick is currently in his 10th season with RCR in the Sprint Cup Series. In his time with the team, he has won 12 races including the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400, plus a victory in the All-Star race in 2007.

He has finished in the top five in the standings three times, his best season coming in 2006 when he won five times en route to fourth in the final Chase ranking.

Harvick signs new Childress dealNew deal for Espanyol starlet

Magnussen tests for Hendrick

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Mjallby eyes Boruc stayMagnussen tests for Hendrick

Hamlin denies feud with Kyle Busch

Denny Hamlin says his relationship with team-mate Kyle Busch is fine, despite Busch accusing Hamlin of costing him victory in Saturday night's All-Star race.

Hamlin was leading the race in the final segment when his Joe Gibbs Racing team-mate tried to dive on his outside at the exit of Turn 2. Although the pair didn't make contact, Busch ended up hitting the wall and losing any chance of fighting for the win.

Speaking on his radio in the aftermath, Busch accused Hamlin of closing the door on him, causing him to hit the wall. A few laps later, the right-front tyre of Busch's Toyota gave up and he hit the wall hard, taking Kasey Kahne out of the race in the process.

"Somebody better keep me away from Denny Hamlin after this... race," Busch fumed over his radio following his crash. "I swear to God, I'm going to kill that [expletive]. All his [expletive] fault. I had this race won! It was won!"

The two JGR team-mates met following the race and Hamlin later said he could understand Busch's remarks, which he said were obviously made in the heat of the moment.

"That's Kyle in the moment and he's said worse things about me at other times," said Hamlin. "I told him my job as the leader is to do everything I can to win that race. This race is a much different beast than a points race, and I think he understands that.

"From my standpoint, we're going to drive each other differently, no doubt about it. We've seen it in years past, guys suck each other around, guys running each other up the race track, but I felt like if Kyle had position on the outside, then definitely I should have given him the lane.

"I just basically took the air off and, like he said, he was just dumb and didn't check up. It's just one of those things."

Hamlin doesn't expect the incident to affect each their relationship looking ahead, and says that the All-Star being a non-points event created unique circumstances that made them race each other harder than usual.

"We don't need to let it affect these team guys," said Hamlin. "They work with each other inside the race shop and the important thing for me is that everyone gets along. Right now, everything is going good between the #11 and the #18 [Kyle Busch] on the race track, we're both battling for race wins each and every week.

"This is like the fifth or sixth time that we've been beside each other with less than 10 [laps] to go and this is not going to be the last time. What's good is that we have an understanding of how we race each other. One thing that we do realise too is this individual race here is a different beast, so the racing of each other is always going to be a little different."

Busch led 23 laps during the night, this being the fifth time he has run up front during the All-Star race but failed to win. Out of his five starts in the event, Busch has only finished once, crashing out three times.

Meanwhile Hamlin finished the race in fourth, matching his best result in the event.

Ronaldo harbours title hopeBusch wins All-Star race at Charlotte

Magnussen tests for Hendrick

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Mjallby eyes Boruc stayMagnussen tests for Hendrick

Busch wins All-Star race at Charlotte

Kurt Busch bounced back from hitting the wall twice during the NASCAR All-Star race to win the event for the first time in his career.

The former Cup champion had started from pole position after qualifying was rained out on Friday and led a total of 19 laps during the night. However, a lot happened for the Penske driver in the 100-lap race, in which he had to fend off several challengers.

Busch prevailed in the first and longest segment, beating his sibling Kyle Busch at the end of the first 50 laps. He lost the lead in the pits after that, following a four-tyre stop while others, led by Jimmie Johnson, took on right-side tyres only.

Johnson led the way in the second and third 20-lap segments, looking dominant ahead of the final 10-lap sprint. At that point, chances for Kurt Busch looked slim as during that third portion of the event and following a two-tyre stop, he struggled with the balance of his #2 Dodge, hitting the wall on two different occasions.

The fourth segment started with a four-tyre mandatory stop for all drivers, where Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch jumped ahead of Johnson. As soon as the green flag was waved, a multi-car crash was ignited by contact between Joey Logano and Mark Martin, taking several cars out of contention, including former race winners Martin and Jeff Gordon.

Hamlin led the following restart and raced up front with Kyle Busch, their battle ending when Busch hit the wall out of Turn 2 while trying to pass his team-mate on the outside. The elder Busch took advantage to jump from fourth to first with seven laps to go in a move that looked to have won him the race.

Two caution periods for further incidents tightened the battle for victory in the end, but Busch first held off Johnson and then Martin Truex Jr on the final restarts to cross the line first and claim a check for US $1,078,000, giving his boss Roger Penske further reason for joy after Helio Castroneves claimed pole position for the Indianapolis 500 earlier in the day.

"Our car was on the money when it counted," said Busch. "We really had a fast race car and it was a pleasure to drive it. The segment before that though, I wouldn't have given a million bucks for it. But now it's got a million-dollar name to it.

"The right side, we have to replace it, and we'll think about of bringing this car back for [the Coke 600] next week. I'm very proud of our effort tonight as a team and how my crew chief [Steve Addington] and I continue to develop our relationship."

Truex made his way into the race by virtue of winning the Sprint Showdown, which is his first win for Michael Waltrip Racing. Starting from the back in the main event, he charged through the field and jumped from fourth to second on the final restart to get his best career result in the All-Star race.

"I could smell [victory], and a couple more laps and I was right there," said Truex. "What a good night and what a lot of fun we had. Second is not what we came here for, but it was a lot of fun and we were glad to get into the big show."

Joey Logano, making only his second appearance in the event, was third ahead of his Joe Gibbs Racing team-mate Denny Hamlin, while last year's All-Star winner Tony Stewart rounded out the top five, recovering from the multi-car incident at the start of the final segment.

Johnson, who led the most laps during the night, was classified 13th in the end after running through the grass on the penultimate restart following a spin while battling for second place with Denny Hamlin.

"I knew we were coming to the white [flag]," said Johnson about his spin. "I knew I had to clear the #11 on the outside of me so I just kept my foot in it and I could feel them outside of me kind of pulling the back end of my car around but I said 'the hell with it, it's the All Star race'.

"I kept my foot to the floor and hoped that I made it off the turn and I didn't. It turned around on me."

Kyle Busch didn't finish the race after a blown right-front tyre sent him into the wall as a consequence of his previous contact with the yellow barriers while battling for the lead with Hamlin.

Roush Fenway's Greg Biffle had been second in the Sprint Showdown but was only ninth in the main event and not a contender for victory. Neither was his team-mate Carl Edwards, who got voted into the All-Star race by the fans, but was one of seven drivers caught up in the final segment's multi-car wreck.

Next weekend the Cup returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the longest race of the season, the Coke 600.

Results to follow

Montoya laments late cautionRonaldo harbours title hope

Harvick signs new Childress deal

Kevin Harvick has signed a new multi-year deal with Richard Childress Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The current points leader will stay on with the only organisation he has ever raced with at NASCAR's top level, although the team has yet to announce a new sponsor due to Shell and Pennzoil leaving at the end of the year to go to Penske Racing.

Harvick had one of his worst seasons ever last year, finishing 19th in the standings and missing the Chase for the first time since 2006. The team's form led to speculation about Harvick moving on at the end of his current deal, which runs out at the end of this year.

However RCR has been able to bounce back and Harvick claimed his first win since 2007 at Talladega last month, while his team-mates are both currently in the top 15 in the drivers' standings.

"I think for us it's great to put everything - all the questions - to bed," said Harvick. "I've been pretty quiet about the way we've gone about everything but I've felt pretty good about the way things have gone between Richard [Childress] and myself and all that's been going on.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs but I feel like as an organisation and a team we're positioned as well as we've ever been to race for a championship."

Harvick praised his team for being able to turn things around this year, after such a disappointing 2009 for the squad, when it not only failed to have any drivers in the championship play-off, but also had to shrink back from four to three cars after losing one of its main sponsors.

"It's been an incredible turnaround," said Harvick. "The attitude and the morale of the people that I've been around for a long time, those are the things that you want to work out when you've got so much time and effort invested in years and years.

"To be able to race for a championship this year was our goal, we've been able to accomplish that and our goal is to race for championships every year. Last year we didn't do that but we feel like we've made all the right changes and hopefully we can continue going forward with the performance and things that we've done."

Richard Childress is very optimistic about the future with Harvick, who he to fill the void left by Dale Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. He is also confident of finding the right sponsors for Harvick's car now he has been re-signed for the long term.

"Both of us want the same thing and I think with the way we're structured now, we've got a lot of good things coming for the rest of the year and hopefully we'll just get better as the year goes. We want to run for that championship," said Childress.

"I think Kevin and I both have enough confidence in each other that we know we can go out and put a great package together. We've put great packages together for companies in the past and we're going to do so moving forwards.

"It's a huge plus when you can go to a company and say we've got the driver, the driver's got us. We're ready to go."

Harvick is currently in his 10th season with RCR in the Sprint Cup Series. In his time with the team, he has won 12 races including the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400, plus a victory in the All-Star race in 2007.

He has finished in the top five in the standings three times, his best season coming in 2006 when he won five times en route to fourth in the final Chase ranking.

New deal for Espanyol starletHarvick signs new Childress deal

Harvick signs new Childress deal

Kevin Harvick has signed a new multi-year deal with Richard Childress Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The current points leader will stay on with the only organisation he has ever raced with at NASCAR's top level, although the team has yet to announce a new sponsor due to Shell and Pennzoil leaving at the end of the year to go to Penske Racing.

Harvick had one of his worst seasons ever last year, finishing 19th in the standings and missing the Chase for the first time since 2006. The team's form led to speculation about Harvick moving on at the end of his current deal, which runs out at the end of this year.

However RCR has been able to bounce back and Harvick claimed his first win since 2007 at Talladega last month, while his team-mates are both currently in the top 15 in the drivers' standings.

"I think for us it's great to put everything - all the questions - to bed," said Harvick. "I've been pretty quiet about the way we've gone about everything but I've felt pretty good about the way things have gone between Richard [Childress] and myself and all that's been going on.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs but I feel like as an organisation and a team we're positioned as well as we've ever been to race for a championship."

Harvick praised his team for being able to turn things around this year, after such a disappointing 2009 for the squad, when it not only failed to have any drivers in the championship play-off, but also had to shrink back from four to three cars after losing one of its main sponsors.

"It's been an incredible turnaround," said Harvick. "The attitude and the morale of the people that I've been around for a long time, those are the things that you want to work out when you've got so much time and effort invested in years and years.

"To be able to race for a championship this year was our goal, we've been able to accomplish that and our goal is to race for championships every year. Last year we didn't do that but we feel like we've made all the right changes and hopefully we can continue going forward with the performance and things that we've done."

Richard Childress is very optimistic about the future with Harvick, who he to fill the void left by Dale Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. He is also confident of finding the right sponsors for Harvick's car now he has been re-signed for the long term.

"Both of us want the same thing and I think with the way we're structured now, we've got a lot of good things coming for the rest of the year and hopefully we'll just get better as the year goes. We want to run for that championship," said Childress.

"I think Kevin and I both have enough confidence in each other that we know we can go out and put a great package together. We've put great packages together for companies in the past and we're going to do so moving forwards.

"It's a huge plus when you can go to a company and say we've got the driver, the driver's got us. We're ready to go."

Harvick is currently in his 10th season with RCR in the Sprint Cup Series. In his time with the team, he has won 12 races including the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400, plus a victory in the All-Star race in 2007.

He has finished in the top five in the standings three times, his best season coming in 2006 when he won five times en route to fourth in the final Chase ranking.

New deal for Espanyol starletBurton leads second spoiler test

Harvick signs new Childress deal

Kevin Harvick has signed a new multi-year deal with Richard Childress Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The current points leader will stay on with the only organisation he has ever raced with at NASCAR's top level, although the team has yet to announce a new sponsor due to Shell and Pennzoil leaving at the end of the year to go to Penske Racing.

Harvick had one of his worst seasons ever last year, finishing 19th in the standings and missing the Chase for the first time since 2006. The team's form led to speculation about Harvick moving on at the end of his current deal, which runs out at the end of this year.

However RCR has been able to bounce back and Harvick claimed his first win since 2007 at Talladega last month, while his team-mates are both currently in the top 15 in the drivers' standings.

"I think for us it's great to put everything - all the questions - to bed," said Harvick. "I've been pretty quiet about the way we've gone about everything but I've felt pretty good about the way things have gone between Richard [Childress] and myself and all that's been going on.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs but I feel like as an organisation and a team we're positioned as well as we've ever been to race for a championship."

Harvick praised his team for being able to turn things around this year, after such a disappointing 2009 for the squad, when it not only failed to have any drivers in the championship play-off, but also had to shrink back from four to three cars after losing one of its main sponsors.

"It's been an incredible turnaround," said Harvick. "The attitude and the morale of the people that I've been around for a long time, those are the things that you want to work out when you've got so much time and effort invested in years and years.

"To be able to race for a championship this year was our goal, we've been able to accomplish that and our goal is to race for championships every year. Last year we didn't do that but we feel like we've made all the right changes and hopefully we can continue going forward with the performance and things that we've done."

Richard Childress is very optimistic about the future with Harvick, who he to fill the void left by Dale Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. He is also confident of finding the right sponsors for Harvick's car now he has been re-signed for the long term.

"Both of us want the same thing and I think with the way we're structured now, we've got a lot of good things coming for the rest of the year and hopefully we'll just get better as the year goes. We want to run for that championship," said Childress.

"I think Kevin and I both have enough confidence in each other that we know we can go out and put a great package together. We've put great packages together for companies in the past and we're going to do so moving forwards.

"It's a huge plus when you can go to a company and say we've got the driver, the driver's got us. We're ready to go."

Harvick is currently in his 10th season with RCR in the Sprint Cup Series. In his time with the team, he has won 12 races including the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400, plus a victory in the All-Star race in 2007.

He has finished in the top five in the standings three times, his best season coming in 2006 when he won five times en route to fourth in the final Chase ranking.

Vickers to miss rest of season

Red Bull's Brian Vickers will be out of racing for the rest of the season due to the treatment he is currently undergoing after blood clots were discovered last week.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race-winner and former Nationwide Series champion was admitted to a Washington hospital last week due to persistent chest pains, and exams revealed clots on his veins to be the cause, forcing him to miss last Sunday's race at Dover.

The 26-year-old held a press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, where he announced that he will be out of action for at least six months, which means he will not be racing at all for the remainder of the Sprint Cup series season.

Vickers was joined by his doctor Steven A Limentani and Red Bull Racing's Jay Frye as he addressed the media, explaining that the blood-thinning medication he is taking to dissolve the clots on his lungs and his left leg would force him to bring his season to a halt.

"Dr Limentani, myself and the people that we work through to him, have decided that due to what's happened, and due to the blood-thinners that I'm on that I will be out of the car for a minimum of six months, for the rest of the year," said Vickers. "And if something changes and I can get back any sooner, then great. But right now it's going to be the remainder of the season.

"As you can imagine, that is killing me. I really miss being back in the car. It was really hard last Sunday to watch the race on TV and not be in the car. It was funny, I was lying in the hospital with all this things going on and instead of asking probably the right questions, all I kept asking was 'Am I going to race this weekend?' They were trying to be nice, saying 'we'll talk about it but probably not'.

"As reality set in this is going to be a much longer process."

Vickers expects "to be back in the car next season and to win the Daytona 500," and fully supported the idea of Casey Mears filling in for him for the rest of the season. Although Frye said that has still to be determined, Red Bull does not foresee any changes in the team's line-up for the time being.

Dr Limentani said they still do not know exactly what caused Vickers' condition and it could be a matter of months before they have the answer. He added that the driver needs to remain physically active, although with limitations to what he can do. Given the medication Vickers is taking, any sort of accident could be very threatening for him.

Vickers, who is currently in his seventh full season in the Sprint Cup series and his fourth with Red Bull, said he was last in pain on Sunday but that since he left hospital for the second time on Monday, he has been feeling much better.

Although he expects to continue to attend race meetings, Vickers said he will not be going to all events although he plans to remain very actively involved with the team in several areas.

Last summer Red Bull Racing and Vickers signed a multi-year contract extension following their first win together at Michigan and they followed that up with a berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, which Vickers finished in 12th place, the team's best finish in the standings thus far.

Vickers suffering from blood clotsRaul to miss run-in

Hamlin's pit crew wins challenge

Denny Hamlin's team beat Jeff Burton's squad to claim victory in the 2010 NASCAR Pit Crew challenge on Wednesday night at Charlotte.

Besides Hamlin's three Sprint Cup series wins this year, the Joe Gibbs Racing #11 group added yet another trophy after the seven-man pit crew team advanced all the way to the final where they beat Burton's #31 Richard Childress Racing crew - the defending champions - by 0.442s.

Crews had to raise a car with the jack on both sides, perform front and rear tyre changes on both sides plus refuel the car, all in separate stations, before running to push their actual cars for 40 yards to the finish line. Only teams in the top-24 in the Sprint Cup standings were eligible for the event.

Hamlin's team beat the #12 Penske group of Brad Keselowski in the second round, the #5 Hendrick Motorsports crew of Mark Martin in quarterfinals and then the #88 team that serve Dale Earnhardt Jr's car in the semifinals.

All their stops from the second round onwards were faultless and fast, earning them US$70,650 in prize money.

"I was as nervous as I've ever been," said Hamlin about the event. "I wanted it so bad for these guys. I wanted them to enjoy their success. I always get all the credit when we win, and this night was about them and it showed how steady and good that they are."

Individual prizes were also awarded for the best on each position, with Hamlin's jack man, Mark Martin's gas man, Clint Bowyer's rear-tyre changer and carrier and Kyle Busch's front-tyre men being the best from all participating members in their specialties.

Both points leader Kevin Harvick's crew and reigning champion Jimmie Johnson's team were eliminated in the second round of the event.

Hamlin's team victory gives them the right to choose first their pit stall for Saturday's All Star race.

Hamlin surprised by early successPrimera Liga round-up

Magnussen tests for Hendrick

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Magnussen tests for HendrickMjallby eyes Boruc stay

Piquet to enter trio of Truck races

Nelson Piquet Jr will race three times in the NASCAR Truck Series in the coming weeks.

The former grand prix driver will contest the Charlotte (May 21), Texas (June 4) and Michigan (June 12) rounds of the series with Billy Ballew Motorsports.

Piquet raced in the truck event at Daytona, as well as the ARCA feeder series at Daytona and Texas.

"I can't wait to get behind the wheel of a truck again," said Piquet. "I really enjoyed racing at Daytona and learned a lot. I gain a better understanding of how these trucks handle with each lap I take.

"These upcoming races will be exactly what I need to continue growing as a driver. The team have great people and I'm excited to be working with them."

Team boss Billy Ballew added: "Everyone is very excited to have Nelson racing with us. He's obviously an incredibly talented driver. I think these three races will give him some valuable seat time, which is just what he needs to continue developing his abilities.

"He did very well at Daytona earlier this year and showed that he has a good feel for stock car racing. The more time he has to get acclimated to these vehicles, the better he's going to do. I think this will be a great opportunity for him."

Piquet is expected to be on double-duty at Michigan, racing in ARCA again for series champions Eddie Sharp Racing.

Ballew's #15 Toyota Tundra, which Piquet will drive in trucks, is being shared by a number of drivers this year, including former Truck Series champion Johnny Benson and Steven Wallace.

Piquet finished sixth in his maiden truck race at Daytona this year, and was ninth after starting from pole in his second ARCA outing last weekend at Texas.

Piquet to enter trio of Truck racesBaraja linked with Prem trio

Busch beats Gordon to Richmond win

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Magnussen tests for HendrickMjallby eyes Boruc stay

Magnussen tests for Hendrick

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Mjallby eyes Boruc stayMagnussen tests for Hendrick

Piquet to enter trio of Truck races

Nelson Piquet Jr will race three times in the NASCAR Truck Series in the coming weeks.

The former grand prix driver will contest the Charlotte (May 21), Texas (June 4) and Michigan (June 12) rounds of the series with Billy Ballew Motorsports.

Piquet raced in the truck event at Daytona, as well as the ARCA feeder series at Daytona and Texas.

"I can't wait to get behind the wheel of a truck again," said Piquet. "I really enjoyed racing at Daytona and learned a lot. I gain a better understanding of how these trucks handle with each lap I take.

"These upcoming races will be exactly what I need to continue growing as a driver. The team have great people and I'm excited to be working with them."

Team boss Billy Ballew added: "Everyone is very excited to have Nelson racing with us. He's obviously an incredibly talented driver. I think these three races will give him some valuable seat time, which is just what he needs to continue developing his abilities.

"He did very well at Daytona earlier this year and showed that he has a good feel for stock car racing. The more time he has to get acclimated to these vehicles, the better he's going to do. I think this will be a great opportunity for him."

Piquet is expected to be on double-duty at Michigan, racing in ARCA again for series champions Eddie Sharp Racing.

Ballew's #15 Toyota Tundra, which Piquet will drive in trucks, is being shared by a number of drivers this year, including former Truck Series champion Johnny Benson and Steven Wallace.

Piquet finished sixth in his maiden truck race at Daytona this year, and was ninth after starting from pole in his second ARCA outing last weekend at Texas.

Piquet to enter trio of Truck racesBaraja linked with Prem trio

Piquet to enter trio of Truck races

Nelson Piquet Jr will race three times in the NASCAR Truck Series in the coming weeks.

The former grand prix driver will contest the Charlotte (May 21), Texas (June 4) and Michigan (June 12) rounds of the series with Billy Ballew Motorsports.

Piquet raced in the truck event at Daytona, as well as the ARCA feeder series at Daytona and Texas.

"I can't wait to get behind the wheel of a truck again," said Piquet. "I really enjoyed racing at Daytona and learned a lot. I gain a better understanding of how these trucks handle with each lap I take.

"These upcoming races will be exactly what I need to continue growing as a driver. The team have great people and I'm excited to be working with them."

Team boss Billy Ballew added: "Everyone is very excited to have Nelson racing with us. He's obviously an incredibly talented driver. I think these three races will give him some valuable seat time, which is just what he needs to continue developing his abilities.

"He did very well at Daytona earlier this year and showed that he has a good feel for stock car racing. The more time he has to get acclimated to these vehicles, the better he's going to do. I think this will be a great opportunity for him."

Piquet is expected to be on double-duty at Michigan, racing in ARCA again for series champions Eddie Sharp Racing.

Ballew's #15 Toyota Tundra, which Piquet will drive in trucks, is being shared by a number of drivers this year, including former Truck Series champion Johnny Benson and Steven Wallace.

Piquet finished sixth in his maiden truck race at Daytona this year, and was ninth after starting from pole in his second ARCA outing last weekend at Texas.

Piquet to enter trio of Truck racesBaraja linked with Prem trio

Drivers give thumbs-up to new spoiler

Many Sprint Cup series drivers have given the thumbs-up to the new rear spoiler, following the first speedway race with the device last Monday at Texas.

Since the Martinsville round the cars from NASCAR's top series replaced the rear wing with a spoiler, but only this week at Texas the device was raced at one of NASCAR's fastest tracks, where aerodynamics come more into play.

Denny Hamlin, who claimed his second victory of the season at the event, was obviously one to praise the spoiler for giving him a better feel with the car. He actually reckons the racing improved in traffic relative to when the wing was used.

"The car seemed to be planted to the racetrack quite a bit more," said Hamlin. "You could race around guys without the air being taken off of you as much as it did. So I think it made for better racing. It was a step in the right direction for our sport. Obviously for the looks and for the competition side.

"I thought as far as the grip level, it just added some grip to the racetrack. When you do that, you add some comfortability to the race car drivers, and that's what's going to make for a great finish at the end."

Kyle Busch, who finished third, echoed his team-mate's view, saying the car felt more drivable than with the wing, helping create some of the chaos that unfolded in the closing stages of the race as drivers took more chances in traffic.

"I mean, it was a different race, for sure," said Busch. "The car seemed to be a lot more consistent and a lot more drivable. So you know on restarts it seems like there's a lot more chaos going on. A lot of guys are really comfortable and can run side by side and really, you know, push each other a little bit down the straightaways and what not."

Reigning champion Jimmie Johnson, who finished second last Monday, had a different opinion to the Joe Gibbs Racing's duo.

He believes the spoiler affected the cars' handling in traffic in a negative way, but expects to improve the balance when running behind other cars with some set-up changes in coming races.

"I think in general we were trying to get accustomed to the spoiler," Johnson said. "It seemed to be tougher to pass in some situations. I think the wake of air was larger and more turbulent.

"You really had to take a lot of risks to get close to someone. But I think another couple races on these big tracks, we'll work on the set-ups some more and improve the balance of the car in traffic."

Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports team-mate Dale Earnhardt Jr believes the spoiler to be a step in the right direction, but he hopes there's a way to get more front downforce on the cars soon.

"The spoiler is better," Earnhardt said. "We just need to get a little more downforce on these cars. It would be pretty awesome if we could get a little more nose downforce and stuff like that. It'll happen. It will just take a while."

Penske's Kurt Busch reckons his team still has to get the most out of the new device in terms of set-up, but he liked the feel of the car, which he compared to how Nationwide machines handle.

"I felt like it was stable and it seemed to provide a better comfort zone versus the rear wing," said the older of the Busch brothers. "Where it seems to have a slight difference that I can't figure out yet is the drag. I feel like I'm going so slow down the straightaways, but then the speeds seemed to be up in the center of the corners. I don't run many Nationwide races, but I think that our car drove like a Nationwide car."

Roush Fenway's Greg Biffle also liked the handling of the car and pointed out that when running in traffic his Ford lost grip on the rear end, which made him driver the car harder than before while battling for position.

"I like the spoiler better because it drives a lot better," said Biffle. "I like the feel of the car. The car turns a little bit better on corner exit and gets a little looser racing around guys, so you've got to drive her a little harder and pay attention."

Next weekend at Talladega teams will race with a modified version of the spoiler, which will be narrower than the one used at Texas last weekend. Cars will also be fitted with the mandated restrictor plate with 30/32-inch holes.

Drivers give thumbs-up to new spoilerCallejon race hots up

Magnussen tests for Hendrick

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Mjallby eyes Boruc stayMagnussen tests for Hendrick

Rain postpones NASCAR to Monday

Rain around the Fort Worth area has forced NASCAR officials to postpone Sunday's NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway until Monday.

For the second time this year, the Sprint Cup Series will race on a Monday, as the eighth round of the year has been rescheduled to start at 12 noon Eastern Time in the US tomorrow.

The Nationwide Series event had already been postponed from Saturday for the same reasons, and was set to start once the Cup race was finished on Sunday.

Now it has been set to start at 5pm Eastern Time on Monday, which means a total of 15 drivers are set to race for at least 801 miles on the same day, as more than a third of the Cup field is on double-duty this weekend.

Drivers will face a green track, relaying only on the information gathered during the first practice session of the weekend on Friday, as Saturday's sessions were cancelled due to rain as well.

Weather forecasts show a maximum 20 per cent chance of rain for Monday.

Fabregas snr - No Real meetingRain postpones NASCAR to Monday

Hamlin expects to go the distance

Denny Hamlin hopes to be able to complete the full 500 miles at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, after surprisingly running the full distance last week at Phoenix while recovering from his knee-surgery.

The 29-year-old was expected to be replaced by stand-by driver Casey Mears at some point during last week's Sprint Cup race as Hamlin had been feeling some pain on his left knee, which had undergone surgery to repair a torn ligament only ten days before.

Against all odds, Hamlin went on to finish the event despite falling a couple of laps down early in the race due to electrical issues with his car.

He was in a lot of pain after the 600 Kilometers of racing, but he says he is feeling a lot better this weekend at Texas, where he is set to put less stress on his left knee, due to the lighter braking relative to Phoenix.

"It's feeling much better really," said Hamlin about his knee. "It's still sore and I have a long way to go but I am definitely making progress...

"Unlike Phoenix where we had to use a ton of brake, Texas is much different so I will be in the car and expect to go the full distance just as I did at Phoenix last weekend."

Hamlin admitted he considered jumping out of his car last weekend at some point but he felt he would have let down his team by doing so and decided to run all the way to the checkered flag.

"I definitely thought about it, especially when we went down a couple of laps and we knew it would be hard to get them back, but I never want to give up on anything and I wasn't going to give up on the team," said Hamlin.

"They worked hard to get that car ready for me, they were patient with me and I owe to it to them to give it my best effort. That's as true when you are running up front as it is when you are struggling. It was actually an easy decision from the seat."

After finishing 30th last weekend at Phoenix, Hamlin currently ranks 18th in the points with one win to his name. He is set to start from 29th on the grid at Texas this weekend.

Hamlin expects to go the distanceRamos backs Pellegrini

Magnussen tests for Hendrick

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Magnussen tests for HendrickMjallby eyes Boruc stay

Rain postpones NASCAR to Monday

Rain around the Fort Worth area has forced NASCAR officials to postpone Sunday's NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway until Monday.

For the second time this year, the Sprint Cup Series will race on a Monday, as the eighth round of the year has been rescheduled to start at 12 noon Eastern Time in the US tomorrow.

The Nationwide Series event had already been postponed from Saturday for the same reasons, and was set to start once the Cup race was finished on Sunday.

Now it has been set to start at 5pm Eastern Time on Monday, which means a total of 15 drivers are set to race for at least 801 miles on the same day, as more than a third of the Cup field is on double-duty this weekend.

Drivers will face a green track, relaying only on the information gathered during the first practice session of the weekend on Friday, as Saturday's sessions were cancelled due to rain as well.

Weather forecasts show a maximum 20 per cent chance of rain for Monday.

Fabregas snr - No Real meetingRain postpones NASCAR to Monday

Hamlin expects to go the distance

Denny Hamlin hopes to be able to complete the full 500 miles at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, after surprisingly running the full distance last week at Phoenix while recovering from his knee-surgery.

The 29-year-old was expected to be replaced by stand-by driver Casey Mears at some point during last week's Sprint Cup race as Hamlin had been feeling some pain on his left knee, which had undergone surgery to repair a torn ligament only ten days before.

Against all odds, Hamlin went on to finish the event despite falling a couple of laps down early in the race due to electrical issues with his car.

He was in a lot of pain after the 600 Kilometers of racing, but he says he is feeling a lot better this weekend at Texas, where he is set to put less stress on his left knee, due to the lighter braking relative to Phoenix.

"It's feeling much better really," said Hamlin about his knee. "It's still sore and I have a long way to go but I am definitely making progress...

"Unlike Phoenix where we had to use a ton of brake, Texas is much different so I will be in the car and expect to go the full distance just as I did at Phoenix last weekend."

Hamlin admitted he considered jumping out of his car last weekend at some point but he felt he would have let down his team by doing so and decided to run all the way to the checkered flag.

"I definitely thought about it, especially when we went down a couple of laps and we knew it would be hard to get them back, but I never want to give up on anything and I wasn't going to give up on the team," said Hamlin.

"They worked hard to get that car ready for me, they were patient with me and I owe to it to them to give it my best effort. That's as true when you are running up front as it is when you are struggling. It was actually an easy decision from the seat."

After finishing 30th last weekend at Phoenix, Hamlin currently ranks 18th in the points with one win to his name. He is set to start from 29th on the grid at Texas this weekend.

Ramos backs PellegriniHamlin expects to go the distance

Drivers give thumbs-up to new spoiler

Many Sprint Cup series drivers have given the thumbs-up to the new rear spoiler, following the first speedway race with the device last Monday at Texas.

Since the Martinsville round the cars from NASCAR's top series replaced the rear wing with a spoiler, but only this week at Texas the device was raced at one of NASCAR's fastest tracks, where aerodynamics come more into play.

Denny Hamlin, who claimed his second victory of the season at the event, was obviously one to praise the spoiler for giving him a better feel with the car. He actually reckons the racing improved in traffic relative to when the wing was used.

"The car seemed to be planted to the racetrack quite a bit more," said Hamlin. "You could race around guys without the air being taken off of you as much as it did. So I think it made for better racing. It was a step in the right direction for our sport. Obviously for the looks and for the competition side.

"I thought as far as the grip level, it just added some grip to the racetrack. When you do that, you add some comfortability to the race car drivers, and that's what's going to make for a great finish at the end."

Kyle Busch, who finished third, echoed his team-mate's view, saying the car felt more drivable than with the wing, helping create some of the chaos that unfolded in the closing stages of the race as drivers took more chances in traffic.

"I mean, it was a different race, for sure," said Busch. "The car seemed to be a lot more consistent and a lot more drivable. So you know on restarts it seems like there's a lot more chaos going on. A lot of guys are really comfortable and can run side by side and really, you know, push each other a little bit down the straightaways and what not."

Reigning champion Jimmie Johnson, who finished second last Monday, had a different opinion to the Joe Gibbs Racing's duo.

He believes the spoiler affected the cars' handling in traffic in a negative way, but expects to improve the balance when running behind other cars with some set-up changes in coming races.

"I think in general we were trying to get accustomed to the spoiler," Johnson said. "It seemed to be tougher to pass in some situations. I think the wake of air was larger and more turbulent.

"You really had to take a lot of risks to get close to someone. But I think another couple races on these big tracks, we'll work on the set-ups some more and improve the balance of the car in traffic."

Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports team-mate Dale Earnhardt Jr believes the spoiler to be a step in the right direction, but he hopes there's a way to get more front downforce on the cars soon.

"The spoiler is better," Earnhardt said. "We just need to get a little more downforce on these cars. It would be pretty awesome if we could get a little more nose downforce and stuff like that. It'll happen. It will just take a while."

Penske's Kurt Busch reckons his team still has to get the most out of the new device in terms of set-up, but he liked the feel of the car, which he compared to how Nationwide machines handle.

"I felt like it was stable and it seemed to provide a better comfort zone versus the rear wing," said the older of the Busch brothers. "Where it seems to have a slight difference that I can't figure out yet is the drag. I feel like I'm going so slow down the straightaways, but then the speeds seemed to be up in the center of the corners. I don't run many Nationwide races, but I think that our car drove like a Nationwide car."

Roush Fenway's Greg Biffle also liked the handling of the car and pointed out that when running in traffic his Ford lost grip on the rear end, which made him driver the car harder than before while battling for position.

"I like the spoiler better because it drives a lot better," said Biffle. "I like the feel of the car. The car turns a little bit better on corner exit and gets a little looser racing around guys, so you've got to drive her a little harder and pay attention."

Next weekend at Talladega teams will race with a modified version of the spoiler, which will be narrower than the one used at Texas last weekend. Cars will also be fitted with the mandated restrictor plate with 30/32-inch holes.

Drivers give thumbs-up to new spoilerCallejon race hots up

Piquet to enter trio of Truck races

Nelson Piquet Jr will race three times in the NASCAR Truck Series in the coming weeks.

The former grand prix driver will contest the Charlotte (May 21), Texas (June 4) and Michigan (June 12) rounds of the series with Billy Ballew Motorsports.

Piquet raced in the truck event at Daytona, as well as the ARCA feeder series at Daytona and Texas.

"I can't wait to get behind the wheel of a truck again," said Piquet. "I really enjoyed racing at Daytona and learned a lot. I gain a better understanding of how these trucks handle with each lap I take.

"These upcoming races will be exactly what I need to continue growing as a driver. The team have great people and I'm excited to be working with them."

Team boss Billy Ballew added: "Everyone is very excited to have Nelson racing with us. He's obviously an incredibly talented driver. I think these three races will give him some valuable seat time, which is just what he needs to continue developing his abilities.

"He did very well at Daytona earlier this year and showed that he has a good feel for stock car racing. The more time he has to get acclimated to these vehicles, the better he's going to do. I think this will be a great opportunity for him."

Piquet is expected to be on double-duty at Michigan, racing in ARCA again for series champions Eddie Sharp Racing.

Ballew's #15 Toyota Tundra, which Piquet will drive in trucks, is being shared by a number of drivers this year, including former Truck Series champion Johnny Benson and Steven Wallace.

Piquet finished sixth in his maiden truck race at Daytona this year, and was ninth after starting from pole in his second ARCA outing last weekend at Texas.

Baraja linked with Prem trioPiquet to enter trio of Truck races

Magnussen tests for Hendrick

Sportscar racer Jan Magnussen drove a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car this week for Hendrick Motorsports in a private session at Kershaw, South Carolina.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a test run for NASCAR's top team at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course facility last Tuesday, as part of Hendrick's research and development programme.

The test came via Magnussen's ties with General Motors through the American Le Mans Series, where he drives a Corvette C6.R in the GT class. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner had already tested privately for the team before, and was called up again to assist with its road course preparations.

"I can't even explain how great it is for me to have the opportunity to test for Hendrick Motorsports" said Magnussen. "NASCAR is the biggest series in the US and when you get a call from the absolute top team, it's hard to hide my enthusiasm.

"I was just invited for a single test with no development work last year, but this led to another one, which of course I'm really pleased and proud about.

"Driving a NASCAR is a wild experience. Having 900hp available and no traction control, you get wheelspin no matter what gear you are in, so it's really a car you have to work with, which I love.

"I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to try NASCAR, which is just as difficult as reaching Formula 1, so just to test for Hendrick Motorsports is fantastic."

A team spokesman for Hendrick Motorsports said the door is open for Magnussen to do further tests with them.

Hendrick has a record of using single-seater and sportscar drivers to develop its cars, most recently running Italian Max Papis, who went on to make the switch from testing for Hendrick to being a full-time Sprint Cup racer, now driving a Toyota Camry for Germain Racing in NASCAR's top series.

Besides his American Le Mans commitments, Magnussen is lined up again for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Corvette, while he is also competing in the Danish and Scandinavian Touring Car championship. He has also raced in Grand-Am, most recently at Barber Motorsports Park in the GT class at the wheel of a Chevy Camaro.

Mjallby eyes Boruc stayMagnussen tests for Hendrick

Rain postpones NASCAR to Monday

Rain around the Fort Worth area has forced NASCAR officials to postpone Sunday's NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway until Monday.

For the second time this year, the Sprint Cup Series will race on a Monday, as the eighth round of the year has been rescheduled to start at 12 noon Eastern Time in the US tomorrow.

The Nationwide Series event had already been postponed from Saturday for the same reasons, and was set to start once the Cup race was finished on Sunday.

Now it has been set to start at 5pm Eastern Time on Monday, which means a total of 15 drivers are set to race for at least 801 miles on the same day, as more than a third of the Cup field is on double-duty this weekend.

Drivers will face a green track, relaying only on the information gathered during the first practice session of the weekend on Friday, as Saturday's sessions were cancelled due to rain as well.

Weather forecasts show a maximum 20 per cent chance of rain for Monday.

Rain postpones NASCAR to MondayFabregas snr - No Real meeting

Drivers give thumbs-up to new spoiler

Many Sprint Cup series drivers have given the thumbs-up to the new rear spoiler, following the first speedway race with the device last Monday at Texas.

Since the Martinsville round the cars from NASCAR's top series replaced the rear wing with a spoiler, but only this week at Texas the device was raced at one of NASCAR's fastest tracks, where aerodynamics come more into play.

Denny Hamlin, who claimed his second victory of the season at the event, was obviously one to praise the spoiler for giving him a better feel with the car. He actually reckons the racing improved in traffic relative to when the wing was used.

"The car seemed to be planted to the racetrack quite a bit more," said Hamlin. "You could race around guys without the air being taken off of you as much as it did. So I think it made for better racing. It was a step in the right direction for our sport. Obviously for the looks and for the competition side.

"I thought as far as the grip level, it just added some grip to the racetrack. When you do that, you add some comfortability to the race car drivers, and that's what's going to make for a great finish at the end."

Kyle Busch, who finished third, echoed his team-mate's view, saying the car felt more drivable than with the wing, helping create some of the chaos that unfolded in the closing stages of the race as drivers took more chances in traffic.

"I mean, it was a different race, for sure," said Busch. "The car seemed to be a lot more consistent and a lot more drivable. So you know on restarts it seems like there's a lot more chaos going on. A lot of guys are really comfortable and can run side by side and really, you know, push each other a little bit down the straightaways and what not."

Reigning champion Jimmie Johnson, who finished second last Monday, had a different opinion to the Joe Gibbs Racing's duo.

He believes the spoiler affected the cars' handling in traffic in a negative way, but expects to improve the balance when running behind other cars with some set-up changes in coming races.

"I think in general we were trying to get accustomed to the spoiler," Johnson said. "It seemed to be tougher to pass in some situations. I think the wake of air was larger and more turbulent.

"You really had to take a lot of risks to get close to someone. But I think another couple races on these big tracks, we'll work on the set-ups some more and improve the balance of the car in traffic."

Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports team-mate Dale Earnhardt Jr believes the spoiler to be a step in the right direction, but he hopes there's a way to get more front downforce on the cars soon.

"The spoiler is better," Earnhardt said. "We just need to get a little more downforce on these cars. It would be pretty awesome if we could get a little more nose downforce and stuff like that. It'll happen. It will just take a while."

Penske's Kurt Busch reckons his team still has to get the most out of the new device in terms of set-up, but he liked the feel of the car, which he compared to how Nationwide machines handle.

"I felt like it was stable and it seemed to provide a better comfort zone versus the rear wing," said the older of the Busch brothers. "Where it seems to have a slight difference that I can't figure out yet is the drag. I feel like I'm going so slow down the straightaways, but then the speeds seemed to be up in the center of the corners. I don't run many Nationwide races, but I think that our car drove like a Nationwide car."

Roush Fenway's Greg Biffle also liked the handling of the car and pointed out that when running in traffic his Ford lost grip on the rear end, which made him driver the car harder than before while battling for position.

"I like the spoiler better because it drives a lot better," said Biffle. "I like the feel of the car. The car turns a little bit better on corner exit and gets a little looser racing around guys, so you've got to drive her a little harder and pay attention."

Next weekend at Talladega teams will race with a modified version of the spoiler, which will be narrower than the one used at Texas last weekend. Cars will also be fitted with the mandated restrictor plate with 30/32-inch holes.

Drivers give thumbs-up to new spoilerCallejon race hots up